Syrian city of Raqqa on brink of epidemic

“We cannot fail to mention that the city actually is destroyed and on the brink of an epidemic. I am sure you have been informed of this”, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu said on 21 December at a trilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura. “We would like to discuss with you vigorous steps to improve this situation”.The reason for the upcoming epidemic was the numerous bodies lying under the rubble of the buildings in Rakka. According to the Minister of Defense, the city is also almost completely mined. In addition to the mines that were “laid when the bandits withdrew, there are also unexploded ordnance”, which is why people could not enter their homes.“This requires a very vigorous effort on the part of the international community. In any case, what Russia is doing today, by demining and preparing Syrian pioneers, requires serious support, and we also expect it from the UN structures”, Shoigu continued. •